Responsible Gaming

Safe gambling starts with setting boundaries and recognising your limits. These practical strategies can help you maintain control:

• Set a strict budget before you start playing and never exceed it
• Use deposit limits available at your casino to cap your spending
• Take regular breaks during gaming sessions to stay clear-headed
• Never chase losses by increasing bets or playing longer than planned
• Avoid gambling when you feel stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol
• Keep gambling as entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems
• Track your time and money spent to maintain awareness of your habits
• Use reality checks and session timers offered by online casinos
• Never borrow money to gamble or use funds meant for essential expenses
• Balance gambling with other activities and maintain your social connections

Recognising warning signs early can help you or someone you care about get support before problems escalate. Watch for these indicators:

• Spending more time or money on gambling than you can afford
• Lying to family or friends about your gambling activities
• Neglecting work, relationships, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop
• Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of anxiety or depression
• Chasing losses by gambling more to win back what you’ve lost
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund your gambling
• Thinking about gambling constantly, even during other activities
• Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or control your gambling
• Risking important relationships or career opportunities because of gambling

Online casino gaming is strictly restricted to individuals aged 18 and over in the United Kingdom. Licensed operators use age verification processes to prevent underage gambling and protect young people from potential harm. All players must provide valid proof of identity and age before making deposits or placing real money bets. Allowing minors to gamble is illegal and can result in serious consequences for both the player and anyone who facilitates access.

Self-exclusion allows you to take a break from gambling by blocking your access to online casinos for a set period. Licensed UK casinos provide tools that let you exclude yourself for months or years, depending on your needs. During this time, you cannot open new accounts or deposit funds at participating operators. For comprehensive protection, you can register with GAMSTOP, a free national self-exclusion scheme that blocks access to all UK-licensed gambling sites. This tool gives you breathing space to regain control and seek support without the temptation to play.

You don’t have to face gambling problems alone. Professional support services across the UK offer confidential help at no cost:

• GamCare – Free counselling, support groups, and a live chat helpline available 24/7 at www.gamcare.org.uk or 0808 8020 133
• National Gambling Helpline – Confidential advice and support available 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133
• BeGambleAware – Information, support tools, and access to treatment services at www.begambleaware.org
• Gordon Moody Association – Residential treatment programmes for those with severe gambling addiction at www.gordonmoody.org.uk
• Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support meetings across the UK for anyone affected by gambling problems at www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• Citizens Advice – Free guidance on dealing with gambling-related debt and financial problems at www.citizensadvice.org.uk